SAPM Tariq Fatemi holds bilateral meetings with Chinese, Turkish FMs

In his meeting with Tariq Fatemi, Chinese Foreign Minister H.E. Wang Yi expressed his profound sadness and deepest condolences at the loss of precious lives, as a result of the recent terrorist attack in Lahore. He underscored that Pakistan had been at the forefront of the global fight against the scourge of terrorism, and the whole world acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people and the security forces of Pakistan in this struggle.

Thanking the Chinese FM for his condolences and expressions of warm sentiments towards the people of Pakistan, the SAPM underscored that terrorism posed a common threat to both Pakistan and China. He reiterated Pakistan’s firm and unequivocal resolve to continue its resolute efforts against the scourge of terrorism.

The special assistant to Pakistan premier underlined that Pakistan and China enjoyed all-weather, strategic partnership, which had been further strengthened through the initiation of numerous bilateral projects, in particular the flag-ship China Pakistan Economic Corridor Project (CPEC) . He stressed that this transformative project would not only contribute towards the economic development and prosperity of the peoples of Pakistan and China, but also of the entire region.

He also briefed Wang Yi on the steps being taken by Pakistan for the early materialization of the CPEC related projects, as well as to provide complete security to those engaged in these projects.

Outlining the Prime Minister’s vision for a peaceful neighborhood and greater regional connectivity, Tariq Fatemi described the numerous initiatives taken by Pakistan for regional peace and stability, as well as to unleash the economic and trade potential of the region.

The Chinese foreign minister expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of the ever strengthening strategic partnership between the two countries, and reaffirmed China’s commitment for an early completion of the CPEC related initiatives.

He stressed that in order to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries, both sides should continue exploring the possibility of increasing high-level contacts.

Issues pertaining to disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, in the backdrop of the Nuclear Security Summit also came under discussion during the meeting.

Meeting with Turkish counterpart

In his meeting with the Turkish FM, the SAPM highlighted that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed special bond of friendship and historical ties, which had been further strengthened by the recent high-level visits of the leadership from both sides. He emphasized that the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif looked forward to visiting Turkey, to participate in the 13th OIC Summit, which will be held in Istanbul next month.

Issues pertaining to cooperation in the economic sector, defence collaboration as well as other areas of bilateral interest also came under discussion during the meeting.

The two sides also exchanged views on matters of regional as well as international importance.

The Turkish Foreign Minister H.E. Mevlut Cavusoglu expressed his profound grief and heartfelt condolences at the loss of precious lives in Lahore attack ,and expressed full support and solidarity of the people and the Government of Turkey at this hour of grief.

Mr. Fatemi thanked the Turkish FM for his expression of sympathy for the victims of the terrorist incident, and reiterated that terrorism posed a common threat to both Pakistan and Turkey.

The SAPM is leading the Pakistan delegation to the Nuclear Security Summit, being held in Washington DC from 31st March to 2nd April 2016.